OPENING OF THE SESSION

1. The Tenth Session of the Sub-Committee for Lake Tanganyika
of the Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA) was held from 28 to 31
October 2003 in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia. The Session was attended by
representatives from the four member countries of the Sub-Committee: Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia, as well as
observers from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Global Environmental
Facility (GEF), the University of Kuopio in Finland and the Common Market for
Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The Food and Agriculture Organization
organized the meeting. The list of participants is given in Appendix
B.

2. The Deputy Director of Fisheries Extension, Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr Charles Maguswi, welcomed the participants with
introductory remarks. He emphasized that the presence of representatives of the
four riparian countries and the international community in Lusaka was a clear
indication of the importance of Lake Tanganyika as a special regional and global
asset.

3. The Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Mr John Bayona, welcomed
the participants on behalf of the collaborating States and stakeholders in the
development of fisheries of Lake Tanganyika. He commended the Government of the
Republic of Zambia for accepting to host the Tenth Session of the Sub-Committee
and FAO for organizing and facilitating the forum. The Sub-Committee was
reminded of the urgent need for strengthening research.

4. The FAO Representative in Zambia, Mr Dong Qingsong, thanked
the Government of the Republic of Zambia for hosting the Session and conveyed
greetings from the Director-General of FAO, Mr Jacques Diouf, the Assistant
Director-General of the FAO Fisheries Department, Mr I. Nomura, and the FAO
Subregional Representative for Southern and Eastern Africa, Ms V. Sekitoleko. He
informed members of the Sub-Committee that FAO attaches great importance to Lake
Tanganyika fisheries resources, which are central to the livelihood of the
people of the riparian countries.

5. The Sub-Committee was informed that FAO was aware that the
riparian countries of Lake Tanganyika have insufficient financial means and
human resources for monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing around Lake
Tanganyika. The fish stocks are declining due to illegal, unreported and
unregulated (IUU) fishing.

6. The FAO Representative encouraged member countries to
implement the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), which is an
essential framework for managing and monitoring fisheries.

7. The Tenth Session was opened by the Honourable Mundia
Sikatana, Member of Parliament, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives in the
company of the Permanent Secretary Dr N.J. Kwendakwema. He informed the members
of the Sub-Committee that although the Lake is of global value and of great
socio-economic importance at both national and global levels, the lakes
integrity is threatened by human activity.

8. The Minister emphasized that it is also important that the
Lake is equitably utilized among the riparian States within their jurisdiction
without necessarily causing harm to other beneficiary States. The Sub-Committee
is a forum for a common understanding regarding sustainable management of the
Lake fisheries. It was pointed out that the Government of Zambia is supportive
of formal stakeholder participation in fisheries management. He informed the
Sub-Committee that the Government is in the process of approving a revised
Fisheries Act which had drawn a lot of inputs from various
stakeholders.

9. The Honourable Minister recognized the effort of FAO which
has been instrumental in establishing a framework for cooperation among the
riparian States through the Sub-Committee. He commended the Government of
Finland, the African Development Bank, the International Union for Conservation
of Nature, the Global Environmental Facility for their financial support and for
their presence at the Session.

10. The Minister concluded with hope that the deliberations of
the Sub-Committee would be fruitful, based on common objectives, and with clear
focus to the expectations of the riparian countries and the internationalcommunity.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA AND
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION

12. The Agenda was amended and adopted as given in Appendix A.
The documents presented at the Session are listed in Appendix C.

ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE NINTH
SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE

13. This Agenda item was presented on the basis of document
CIFA:DM/LT/03/2 highlighting what transpired at the Ninth Session in
Dar-Es-Salaam (27-30 November 2001) and the decisions and recommendations made
on the following:

a) status of national implementation of the
monitoring phase of the Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Research Project;

b) Lake Tanganyika management
issues;

c) review of preparatory work for a comprehensive project for
Lake Tanganyika supported by GEF and AfDB;

d) and strengthening the future role of the
Sub-Committee.

14. The Sub-Committee was invited to provide further
suggestions and recommendations for more committed, determined and focused
future follow-up actions on the above issues.

THE STATUS OF LAKE TANGANYIKA
FISHERIES BY NATIONAL SECTORS

15. This Agenda item was presented under the document
CIFA:DM/LT/03/3

Burundi

16. The Sub-Committee was informed of the following:

a) Pelagic stocks are fished at night by both
artisanal and commercial fishers. The results of studies on the principal
demographic parameters of the main pelagic species reveal that 63-89 percent of
catches consist of S. tanganicae, L. stappersii and L. miodon.
Most of the fishing techniques, which have been adopted, are based on attraction
by means of light.

b) There are also threats to the diversity of non-cichlid fish
posed by pollution, sedimentation and degradation of the habitats although
fishing activities pose the greatest threat.

c) The human population living on the shores of the Lake uses
the stocks of fish as a source of food. Population growth increases the pressure
on the natural environment including the aquatic habitat.

17. Burundi highlighted several ongoing projects and national
activities on Lake Tanganyika that are based on traditional technologies and
require improvements. There are problems which include the following:

Post-harvest
losses between 10-15 percent as a result of drying of the catches on the sand or
ground, which causes bacterial contamination and product of poor
taste.

Use of traditional ovens which
impose a lot of work in processing.

Lack of a system to ensure
control, monitoring and surveillance of fishing activities.

18. The Sub-Committee was informed of the following threats to
the cichlids in Lake Tanganyika:

water
pollution

eutrophisation

destructive fishing

introduction of alien species
and

siltation

19. The Sub-Committee was informed of the following
constraints to sustainable fisheries management in Burundi:

lack of security
characterized by the theft of fishing equipment;

lack of financial assistance
to fishers;

rampant illegal and unreported
fishing; and

degradation of the environment
through pollution of the water.

20. Members of the Sub-Committee were informed that Burundi is
making an effort to implement measures to reduce illegal, unreported and
unregulated fishing and to control water pollution.

21. The Government is trying to work out mechanisms for
transferring the management of the fishery resources to the local communities
but it is constrained by lack of capacity to enforce legislation and the
changing behaviour of fishers.

22. Members of the Sub-Committee were informed that, at
national level, there is need for legislation to prohibit beach seines, limit
the industrial fishing licences and revise the classification of simple small
fishing units.

24. The Sub-Committee was informed that the fisheries sector
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a major role to play in the
national economy and contributes to the social well-being and food
self-sufficiency of the country. Unfortunately, like many other sectors, it has
been affected by country-wide civil disturbances, which have resulted
in:

higher
un-employment rates;

lack of funding for the
fisheries sector; and

disorganized fishery
administration

25. The delegation of DRC informed the Sub-Committee that the
data for pelagic stocks within the Congolese jurisdiction was not up to
date.

26. Concerning national and regional fishery programmes and
projects, the Congolese sector has not benefited from these programmes due to
recent political unrest.

27. Regarding the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
(CCRF), awareness has been raised among various fishery stakeholders around the
country, but fishing communities under the Congolese jurisdiction of Lake
Tanganyika have not benefited from this sensitization process.

28. With regards to environmental degradation the DRC has
endorsed the objectives and activities of project RAF/92/G32 pollution
control and other measures aimed at protecting the biodiversity of Lake
Tanganyika. There is an environmental plan to protect
biodiversity.

29. The Sub-Committee was informed on the status of
legislation and regulations in the DRC. The fishery sector is currently governed
by the very old royal decree of 21 April 1937 on hunting and fishing. Hence,
there is a need for DRC to replace the 1937 Act and or Decree with a new
fisheries Act that will facilitate harmonisation and standardising of
legislation with other riparian States. Considering that the civil disturbances
that have affected fishery activities have ended, the DRC asked the Secretariat
of the Sub-Committee to assist in establishing a fishery diagnostic in the
Congolese jurisdiction of Lake Tanganyika.

United Republic of Tanzania

30. The Sub-Committee was informed that fisheries research in
Tanzania is mandated to the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) to
carry out all aspects of research. Current knowledge on the status of fish
stocks has been facilitated by the following projects.

Lake Tanganyika
Fisheries Research and Development Project (1973-1978).

Research for the Management of
the Fisheries on Lake Tanganyika Project (1992-1993).

Lake Tanganyika Fisheries
Monitoring Programme (1999-2001).

Research for the Management of
the Fisheries on Lake Tanganyika (1992-1998).

Pollution Control and other
Measures to Protect Biodiversity in Lake Tanganyika (1995-2000).

Lake Tanganyika Fisheries
Monitoring Programme (LTFMP) (1995-2001).

31. Concerning the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
Tanzania has, in the case of Lake Tanganyika, particularly complied with the
following Articles:

s32. Regarding co-management, the Sub-Committee was informed
that Tanzania has, among other things, given the Beach Management Units the
following responsibilities:

to monitor the
compliance of fisheries rules and regulations;

to observe the closure of
fishing in breading areas; and

to establish penalties for
culprits.

33. The Tanzania delegation informed members of the
Sub-Committee that Tanzania has taken the necessary steps to address illegal,
unreported and unregulated fishing; environmental degradation; legislation and
specific regulations for Lake Tanganyika.

pursuing the implementation of
the framework fisheries management plan; and

unified strategies to combat
and reduce general insecurity on the Lake including gear thefts and
pirating.

Zambia

35. Zambia delegation outlined the main problems that
constrain, fishery management and development on the Zambia sector of Lake
Tanganyika, namely:

a) continuing decline of pelagic stocks;

b) use of inappropriate fishing methods;

c) inaccurate data especially in the artisanal
fishery;

d) uncontrolled exploitation and trade of ornamental
fish;

e) delays in approving the new Fisheries Act;

f) sedimentation resulting from uncontrolled settlements on
the Lake shores as well as on the banks of the river mouths;

g) inadequate funds to conduct research programmes;

h) reduction in fish consumption levels due to decline in fish
production;

i) lack of funds to support the introduction of appropriate
fishing gear; and

j) inadequate control on the utilization of alien
species.

36. The Sub-Committee was informed that in Zambia commercial
fisheries activities are centered on both demersal and pelagic stocks (Lates,
Limnothrissa and Stolothrissa); and the demersal inshore fish stocks comprising
of more than 100 species.

37. Regarding regional programmes, there is CLIMLAKE, which
deals with the early warning system to facilitate the management of pelagic
species subsequently.

38. Concerning bilateral programmes Zambia is assisted by the
following:

Zambia-Japan
Cooperative and Research Programme focusing on behavioural ecology;

Bern University
Switzerland/University of Zambia programmes focusing on molecular biology of the
cichlids; and

McMaster University (Canada)
dealing with molecular biology of cichlids.

39. The Sub-Committee was also informed that national
fisheries programmes include gillnets surveys, behavioural ecology, fisheries
biology, fish conservation and co-management.

40. It was confirmed to the Sub-Committee that Zambia is among
the FAO member countries, which adopted the CCRF and that also the application
of fisheries co-management as a tool for sustainable fisheries management has
been in place since 1998. The Draft Fisheries Act, which is in the process of
being enacted, will go a long way to facilitate the implementation of the Code
of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Fishers livelihood is constrained by
lack of a programme for financial assistance.

41. With regard to fisheries statistics and socio-economic
data the Department of fisheries has been collecting data for the last 30 years,
but the collections and compilation of data has increasingly been difficult due
to lack of funds and human resources. Additionally, the information collected
does not cover all fishing practices for example, angling.

42. Zambia is committed to the following: the control of
illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; reduction of environmental
degradation; improvement of fisheries legislation against illegal fishing
practices particularly the beach seines.

43. The Sub-Committee was informed of changing fisheries
institutional and administrative arrangements as well as of fisheries extensions
programmes between 1974 and 2003. These changes have posed problems of
continuity and follow-up action for the last two decades.

44. Regarding fisheries policy the Sub-Committee learned that
there has never been a fisheries policy, contrary to other natural resources
sectors such as forestry and wild life and this has greatly constrained the
development of the fisheries sector.

45. Members of the sub-committee took note of the possible
solutions to the problems as highlighted by Zambia, viz:

a) Establish sustainable exploitation levels as
recommended and limit fishing licences to levels that agree with the
recommendation.

b) Strengthen the co-management structures and build
stakeholders capacity to be able to capture accurate fishery statistics
and data.

c) Ensure the passing of the draft fisheries policy by
creating awareness on the importance of adopting it by various stakeholders for
easy implementation of the fisheries management strategies.

d) Promotion of responsible aquaculture.

e) Promote partnerships in research so as to build the
capacity of fisheries research institutions.

k) Establish a credit facility for the artisanal fishery for
the fishers to access appropriate fishing gear.

l) Establish a common legal framework for fishery activities
for all riparian countries.

m) Establish an international management authority for Lake
Tanganyika.

APPLICATION OF THE FAO CODE OF CONDUCT
FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LAKE TANGANYIKA AND FOR THE
CONTROL AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF ALIEN SPECIES IN THE LAKE BASIN

46. This Agenda item was introduced by the Secretariat on the
basis of document CIFA:DM/LT/03/4.

Management of Lake Tanganyika

47. The Secretariat noted that policies for the management of
the Lakes aquatic resources will need to address social, ecological,
economic, legal, and institutional aspects. Particular attention was drawn to
the development of fishery co-management schemes. Management was moving away
from open-access to fishery resources and towards licensing agreements and
development of specific user-rights. This was necessary in light of the need to
control and reduce fishing capacity in the Lake. Similarly, monitoring, control
and surveillance (MCS) was pointed out as an essential component of effective
fishery management.

48. The Secretariat further noted that creation and
strengthening of appropriate legislation and of institutions will be necessary
to support the developments in fishery co-management. Regional, state and local
agencies will have an important role to play in responsible fisheries of the
Lake. The Secretariat also noted the important role played by the Sub-Committee
in encouraging developments in management, such as through adoption of the
Regional Framework Fisheries Management Plan and facilitating operation of the
Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Monitoring Programme.

49. The Sub-Committee acknowledged that institutional
strengthening and harmonization of fishery policy are urgently needed in the
Basin. Participatory approaches with fishing communities and other important
stakeholders and rapid movement towards co-management (collaborative management)
were stressed as being priority activities.

50. Fishing communities were identified as the key components
of this process. Participatory diagnosis and analysis of community needs were
required from the outset in order to move towards effective co-management. In
order to empower more effectively these fishing communities, delegates noted
that it will be necessary to give them legal status and to develop realistic
terms of reference and jurisdiction. Means were needed to sustain them
economically, such as, for example, through the collection of license
fees.

51. The Sub-Committee further suggested improved
standardization in monitoring, control and surveillance with regard to
inspection of commercial and artisanal fishing boats, fish identification,
traceability of fish products in order to help identify offenders, and penalties
for offenders. One delegation noted that the use of modern technology such as
electronic devices attached to fish aggregating equipment could assist in
monitoring fishing activities.

52. The Sub-Committee acknowledged that compliance with
existing fishery management regulations in the lake is poor. It was noted that
regulatory systems exhibit a lack of harmony and standardization both within and
among the lacustrine States. They also tended to be based on a top-down
approach, which sometimes imposes unclear or restrictive laws on poor
communities. However, it was also noted that bottom-up approaches may become
ineffective at a certain point due to inadequate political stature. In order to
correct this situation, the Sub-Committee stressed the desirability of
harmonization of fishery policies in the Lake in a manner that combines top-down
and bottom-up approaches and ensures broad participation of relevant
stakeholders.

53. Delegates remarked on several examples and strategies from
the wider region that could serve as useful models for developing and
harmonizing policies and strengthening institutions in the Tanganyika lake
basin. Specifically, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation has been
successful at harmonizing fishery legislation in Lake Victoria through a process
starting at the local community level to raise awareness of fishery issues,
ensure the inclusion of sound science into policy, and facilitate elaboration of
national policies. Consultation and dialogue with fishing communities in Lake
Kariba had proved successful at determining the understanding of local residents
with regard to legal and illegal fishing activities, deciding appropriate
actions to pursue and identifying primary and secondary stakeholders. Management
in Lake Kariba included specific zones managed by traditional village
chiefs.

54. The Sub-Committee commended the development of an
international convention and cooperative frameworks relating to Lake Tanganyika
(see Agenda item 7), but it was stressed that such conventions need to be
domesticated into national legislation. The Sub-Committee stressed that national
legislation needs to be in place before regional or international conventions
can be effectively implemented.

55. Several delegates noted that a compendium of national
legislation on fishery issues had been created under the Lake Tanganyika
Research Project (LTR) and that this could serve as a useful reference tool for
standardizing and harmonizing current legislation. Although this was generally
acknowledged, it was pointed out that much of the older legislation may have
limited application today because of changing circumstances and the fact that it
was often imposed on fishers in a top-down manner, without adequate consultation
of relevant stakeholders.

Control and responsible use of alien species in the lake
basin

56. The Secretariat noted that alien species are a proven
method of improving productivity, profitability and opportunity from aquatic
systems, but that they have also been identified as one of the most significant
threats to aquatic biodiversity. An FAO framework on how to approach alien
species was presented, which consists of:

An over-arching
agreed international mechanism - the CCRF.

A set of guidelines and
protocols to help implement the articles of the CCRF - the ICES/EIFAC codes of
practice and protocols on species introductions, and the Asia Regional Technical
Guidelines on fish health.

An information source on alien
species - the FAO Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species (DIAS).

A means to deal with lack of
information and uncertainty - the FAO Precautionary Approach to Fisheries
Management and Species Introductions.

57. Specific articles in the CCRF that deal with alien species
were presented, with particular attention to Article 9.2, which states, inter
alia:

States
should consult with neighbouring States, as appropriate, before introducing
non-indigenous species into trans-boundary aquatic systems.

States should create
mechanisms such as databases and information networks to collect and share
information on aquaculture development.

States should cooperate
in the development of appropriate mechanisms, when required, to monitor the
impacts of alien species used in aquaculture.

58. The Secretariat further noted that the CCRF, and other
components of the above framework are in accordance with and complementary to
other international conventions, in particular the Convention on Biological
Diversity and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

59. There was unanimous agreement that, based on experience
within the broader Eastern and Southern Africa region, the use of alien species
is not justified in the Tanganyika Basin. The Sub-Committee noted the report of
one delegation on the existence of national legislation to protect transboundary
water systems from aquaculture escapees and effluents. It also noted the
encouraging development of the recently signed Convention on Lake
Tanganyika.

60. Nevertheless, in recognition that immediate action is
required to protect and use responsibly the native living aquatic resources of
Lake Tanganyika and in acknowledgment that impact from alien species can be
basin-wide due to the numerous transboundary waterways in the lake area, the
Sub-Committee unanimously agreed to recommend a ban on the use of all aquatic
alien species in the Lake Tanganyika Basin. The Sub-Committee further
recommended that national and regional legislation should be created, modified
and harmonized as appropriate to address this issue.

61. Recognizing that a total ban on alien species may be
difficult to implement and enforce, and that there may be compelling scientific
reasons to allow the existence of some already established alien species, the
Sub-Committee agreed to establish an ad hoc working group to address the issue
of alien species in the lake basin. The terms of reference of this group should
be developed in consultation with the FAO Fisheries Department. However, they
should inter alia:

identify the
working group as the focal point for activities related to alien species issues
within the basin region; and

include as a primary objective
for the group the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between the four
lacustrine countries on control of alien species in fisheries within the
Tanganyika Basin.

62. The ad hoc working group should report on its activities
and progress towards the development of a Memorandum of Understanding to the
next meeting of CIFA in September 2004.

63. The Sub-Committee recommended that the development of
aquaculture using indigenous species from the basin should be promoted in order
to provide an alternative to the culture of alien species and to reduce pressure
on capture fisheries in the lake basin.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN FAO AND OTHER
LAKE TANGANYIKA PARTNERS IN FISHERIES PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

65. It was recalled that collaboration between the AfDB and
FAO led to the formulation of a project aimed at implementing the Lake
Tanganyika Framework Fisheries Management Plan, developed under LTR Project and
adopted by the Sub-Committee at its Eighth Session in 1999. During 2000 a
feasibility study and environmental impact assessment carried out by FAO and the
University of Kuopio and co-financed by AfDB and the FAO FishCode Programme
provided the basis for a joint AfDB/FAO project preparation phase in
2001.

66. It was further recalled that UNDP/GEF began formulation of
a second project based on the results of the Trans-Boundary Diagnostic Analysis
(TDA) and the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) developed under the Lake
Tanganyika Biodiversity Project (LTBP) in 2000. A Convention between the four
lacustrine States was also drafted in the context of the LTBP in order to give a
legal framework to their cooperation in the sustainable management of Lake
Tanganyika. Pending creation of a permanent management authority under the
Convention, an Interim Lake Management Authority Project was now under
development.

67. The Sub-Committee was informed that the World Conservation
Union (IUCN) had also become engaged in the multilateral effort towards
developing a regional lake basin programme, and had joined with UNDP/GEF, the
AfDB and FAO in a Lake Tanganyika Partners Meeting held on June
17-18, 2003, at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Interim Headquarters in
Tunis.

68. The Secretariat reported that at the Lake Tanganyika
Partners meeting each partner made presentations detailing their
involvement with Lake Tanganyika and the status of the respective projects being
proposed as part of the Regional Programme for the Integrated Management of Lake
Tanganyika. These included:

The Lake
Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity Management Project prepared by the
AfDB in collaboration with FAO.

The Interim Lake
Tanganyika Management Authority Project being developed by
UNDP/GEF.

Support proposed by IUCN with
contributions in the areas of environmental law advisory services and technical
backstopping for addressing water and environmental issues.

A major technical assistance
role assigned to FAO in fisheries-related components of the joint regional
programme.

69. The Secretariat stressed that FAO was the most appropriate
lead technical partner for fisheries-related activities under the proposed
regional programme, noting that it was in keeping with recommendations of the
Sub-Committee at its Ninth Session, and the Organizations long-standing
commitment to promote the sustainable use of Lake Tanganyika fisheries
resources. It was further emphasized that, also in accordance with Sub-Committee
recommendations at its Ninth Session, the FishCode Programme would continue to
serve as a primary FAO link for the joint regional programme.

70. The attention of the Sub-Committee was drawn to the
following current and proposed activities promoted by FishCode and FAO technical
departments.

a) Continued facilitation of donor support as part
of the broader FishCode initiative to promote responsible fisheries for the
inland waters of Africa and other major inland fisheries regions (the
Management for Responsible Inland Fisheries (RIFI)
Project.

b) Continued regional fisheries monitoring. FAO plans to be
the lead partner agency in the fisheries component of the integrated programme
under the overall regional programme. The fisheries component will be based on
approaches and techniques developed as part of the Lake Tanganyika Fisheries
Monitoring Programme (LTFMP) in collaboration with the University of
Kuopio.

c) Support for improved fisheries data and information through
the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture
Fisheries (approved at the Twenty-fifth Session of the Committee on
Fisheries, Rome, February 2003), due to start in early 2004.

d) Technical support for other catchment-related initiatives
underthe regional integrated management programme in collaboration with
the FAO Agriculture Department

71. The Sub-Committee was informed that FishCode and the
University of Kuopio were in the final stages of negotiating a modest allocation
from the Government of Finland to mobilize the RIFI initiative and continue the
functioning of the Bujumbura Documentation Centre on an interim basis. This
Documentation Centre established by LTR Project contains a wealth of unique
archival material on Lake Tanganyika and African limnology. It was important to
maintain the facility, inter alia, as a resource for an eventual Lake
Tanganyika Authority.

72. With regard to co-financing arrangements for the joint
regional programme, the Secretariat notified the Sub-Committee that although
important components are now in place, substantial contributions are anticipated
from other donors, e.g. the European Union (EU). Delegations were reminded of
the importance for countries to contact the EU and other donors in order to
stress the need for funding of the regional programme proposal.

73. The Sub-Committee was informed that the Lake Tanganyika
Partners at their Tunis meeting had agreed that a number of activities important
to the overall regional programme be considered joint initiatives, and financed
accordingly. These include:

ratifying and
raising awareness of the Convention;

updating and reviewing the
Strategic Action Programme;

lake monitoring and
information dissemination; and

initiating a lake basin
ecosystem approach and best practices mechanisms associated with such an
approach.

74. Separate financing was deemed appropriate for other
activities and expenses related to administration and technical assistance
unique to each component project.

75. In terms of a structure for a single integrated programme
with different technical management units, the Sub-Committee was informed that
the following arrangement had been suggested, with the understanding that
detailed implementation arrangements for specialized technical assistance
components will be formulated at a later stage:

Regional Steering
Committee

Executive Director (for
political and Convention processes)

Deputy Director
Fisheries

Deputy Director Land and Water
Quality Programme

Administration and
Accounting

Monitoring and Evaluation and
Management

AfDB and FAO regional
technical experts and

AfDB and GEF national
staff

76. The Sub-Committee noted that, in consideration of
FAOs long experience in fisheries management in Lake Tanganyika, other
partners had recognized FAO as a logical lead partner for technical assistance
in fisheries management and development under the joint regional
programme.

77. Delegates were informed of steps required before the
Regional Programme can get underway. In particular, the AfDB plans to field a
mission as soon as possible to appraise its component project, and to revise and
update the project as appropriate. Further collaboration is needed between the
participating countries, AfDB, FAO and potential donors in order to clarify
funding strategies.

78. In other intersessional developments, members of the
Sub-Committee were briefed on the Third International Symposium on Speciation in
Ancient Lakes (SIAL III), held in September 2002 at the Limnological Institute,
Irkutsk, Russian Federation. The final recommendations of the Symposium endorsed
the FishCode RIFI Project proposal, and also called for a long-term initiative
in fisheries and biodiversity conservation for all major ancient lakes (Baikal,
Biwa, Victoria, Tanganyika, Malawi and Titacaca) and ancient lake basins
(including the Caspian and Black Sea basins).

79. Members of the Sub-Committee were also briefed on plans by
the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS) to organize the
international Great Lakes of the World (GLOW) IV Symposium in Lusaka in
2004.

80. Following the Secretariats presentation, the Chair
invited comments by Observers from the AfDB, the GEF Lake Tanganyika Management
Project, the University of Kuopio (Finland) and COMESA.

81. The Secretariat expressed his appreciation to the AfDB
Observer for a comprehensive update on developments towards the establishment of
the Regional Programme for the Integrated Management of Lake Tanganyika, and to
FAO for the considerable efforts it has taken to lead and encourage this
regional initiative.

82. He informed the Sub-Committee that the commitment of
partner agencies, confirmed in Tunis, June 2003, led AfDB to increase its
commitment to the joint regional programme from 15 to 20 million Units of
Account (approximately US$ 27 million).

83. The Observer further noted that AfDB Management has urged
that preparations for the programme move quickly to take advantage of the
immense opportunity for regional collaboration that it affords. Failure to act
swiftly could jeopardize the long and involved process that the four lacustrine
countries and their donor and technical partners have worked so hard to
advance.

84. It was crucial therefore that the concerned Ministers of
the four States rapidly respond to the request from AfDB to reconfirm their
respective commitments to the Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity
Management Project. Delegates were urged to advise their respective Governments
on the importance and urgency of this request.

85. The AfDB Observer explained that the planned modular
approach to project implementation will secure the eventual full participation
of all the lacustrine States, even if some States are not at present eligible to
receive further AfDB assistance. This arrangement allowed the regional project
to move ahead in an integrated manner to reduce poverty, increase food security
and protect the biodiversity of the lake basin.

86. The Observer from the GEF Lake Tanganyika Management
Project expressed his gratitude to the Secretariat for inviting him to this
session of the Sub-Committee, and for its comprehensive update on progress
towards the joint regional programme. He commended all of the Lake Tanganyika
Partners who attended the June 2002 meeting in Tunis, the Government of Finland
and the University of Kuopio for their dedication to ensuring a sustainable
future for Lake Tanganyika and its peoples.

87. The Observer stressed that the role of the CIFA
Sub-Committee on Lake Tanganyika in encouraging basin-wide fisheries management
coordination, was now more important than ever, since a stage towards
implementation of the UNDP/GEF Strategic Action Programme and establishment of a
Lake Tanganyika Authority, had been reached.

88. He requested the Sub-Committee to assist the creation of
an interim authority, and to facilitate the ratification of the Convention,
establishment of the permanent authority, and implementation of the priority
projects identified under the SAP.

89. The Observer from the University of Kuopio, who served as
the Scientific Coordinator of the LTR Project since its inception, informed
members of the Sub-Committee that the reported progress towards a joint regional
programme marked a very important historical the achievement for Lake Tanganyika
and its peoples.

90. He assured the Sub-Committee that the University of Kuopio
team would strongly advocate for further contributions from the Government of
Finland in support of the regional programme and particularly in support of
those components related to fisheries, environmental conservation and capacity
building.

91. The Observer further expressed the view that FAO should
continue to take the lead in facilitating the regional programme, and that the
Government of Finland should seek further involvement as a partner to the
regional initiative through FAO and the FishCode Programme.

92. The Observer also advised delegations that the University
of Kuopio would continue to support the Lake Tanganyika Fisheries Monitoring
Programme, which it considered very successful. He noted that although the LTFMP
was formally ended in 2001, it has been continued on a voluntary basis with the
enthusiastic participation of national staff of the respective lakeside
fisheries research stations.

93. The Observer from COMESA expressed his gratitude to the
Secretariat of the Sub-Committee for the invitation to attend the Session. He
further expressed the hope that cooperation between the Sub-Committee and
COMESA, would be strengthened. He confirmed the interest of COMESA to be
involved with the joint regional programme.

94. In responding to the presentation of agenda item 7,
members of the Sub-Committee commended the Secretariat for providing an
excellent overview of intersessional developments.

95. Members were unanimous that every effort should be made to
ensure a rapid and positive response to the request of the AfDB for renewing
applications for assistance under the Banks Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and
Biodiversity Management Project.

96. Individual delegations addressed various questions related
to specific administrative arrangements and funding allocations that were being
envisaged under the joint regional component projects proposed by the AfDB and
UNDP/GEF. These questions were addressed as appropriate by the AfDB and UNDP/GEF
Project Observers, who assured delegates that full consultations with respective
lacustrine States will continue throughout the project preparation
phases.

97. In light of the presentation on agenda item 7 and the
interventions made, the Sub-Committee agreed to endorse:

a) continued full involvement of FAO and the
FishCode Programme in the proposed joint regional programme for Lake Tanganyika,
now constituted as the Regional Programme for the Integrated Management of Lake
Tanganyika.

c) with reference to the RIFI initiative, continued
development of collaborative links between FishCode and (a) SIAL-associated
efforts to promote fisheries and biodiversity conservation for all major ancient
lakes, as well as (b) AEHMS/GLOW IV related activities.

d) the strong involvement of national fisheries management and
research personnel of the four Lake Tanganyika States in the GLOW IV Symposium
planned for 2004.

THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE FAO CIFA
SUB-COMMITTEE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LAKE TANGANYIKA CONVENTION

98. The Secretariat introduced this Agenda item on the basis
of document CIFA:DM/LT/03/6

99. Members of the Sub-Committee were reminded that the
current functions of the Sub-Committee were adopted by the Eighth Session held
in Lusaka Zambia in May 1999.

100. The Sub-Committee was requested to refer to Articles 7
and 27 of the Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika. The
objective of the Convention is to ensure the protection and conservation of the
biological diversity and the sustainable use of the natural resources of Lake
Tanganyika and its Basin by the Contracting States on the basis of integrated
and cooperative management.

101. Members of the Sub-Committee applauded the signing of the
Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika by the four
lacustrine countries as a significant step towards regional management of the
Lake.

102. The Sub-committee proceeded to review four possible
institutional arrangements for the strengthening of fisheries management and
development in Lake Tanganyika. These were:

a) a regional working group under the CIFA
sub-committee for Lake Tanganyika;

b) a technical committee with a Permanent
Secretariat;

c) an organization based on the model of the Lake Victoria
Fisheries Organization (LVFO); and

d) an intergovernmental fisheries management and development
committee under Article 7 and 27 of the Convention on the sustainable Management
of Lake Tanganyika.

103. Members of the Sub-Committee preferred options (c) and
(d). The LVFO model had already been established and had achieved significant
success in the region tackling some difficult fisheries management issues
relating to access, sustainability and marketing of fish products from Lake
Victoria. Its structure allowed for a sound scientific base, resolution of
short-term management issues required in a dynamic fisheries context, as well as
high level resolution through a Council of Ministers responsible for fisheries.
It is sustainable and has been funded by the member countries since its
establishment through legal assistance provided by the FAO.

104. Members also noted that an intergovernmental fisheries
management and development committee under Article 7 of the Convention on
Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika would incorporate the fisheries sector
within an already agreed Convention. It would provide the technical scientific
base and resolution of high-level issues at an inter-ministerial level of
fisheries and other Ministers.

105. The Sub-Committee debated these two options and
recommended that the possibility of incorporating a structure similar to the
LVFO within the Convention be examined by the Regional Programme for the
Integrated Management of Lake Tanganyika.

106. It was recognized that some delay may arise in the
process of full ratification and implementation of the Convention by the four
State Parties. It was therefore agreed that the process should be monitored and
facilitated by the Sub-Committee through technical advice and assistance as
appropriate.

107. The Sub-Committee noted that the Convention addresses a
wide variety of sectors and stakeholder interests, including those of
agriculture, biodiversity conservation, water resource management and transport.
It further noted that the fisheries sector is of overriding significance to the
socio-economic welfare of Tanganyika Basin residents. Members of the
Sub-Committee expressed the view that the high profile of the fishery sector
should be accorded due regard. It must be adequately represented and its needs
fully addressed in deliberations on the Convention and institutional mechanisms
created under the Conventions Articles.

108. To address these concerns the Sub-Committee recommended
an in-depth analysis of the Convention to determine its possible implications on
the responsible use of living aquatic resources of the Lake and the people who
depend on these resources for their food and livelihood.

109. In light of the above considerations the Sub-Committee
decided that it will be essential to maintain its role under the FAO CIFA
Sub-Committee mechanisms as the primary technical fishery advisory body in the
Lake Tanganyika region during the transitional period leading up to full
implementation of the articles of the Convention.

ANY OTHER MATTERS

110. There were no other new matters raised.

DATE AND PLACE OF THE ELEVENTH
SESSION

111. The Sub-Committee applauded the kind invitation of the
Democratic Republic of Congo to host the Eleventh Session of the Sub-Committee
of Lake Tanganyika in Kinshasa in 2005. Burundi offered to be the alternative
host for the same Session in case DRC desists.

112. The Sub-Committee was informed that the exact date of the
meeting would be decided by the Director-General of FAO in consultation with the
Chairman of the Sub-Committee and the competent authorities of the host
country.

ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

113. The report of the Tenth Session of the CIFA Sub-Committee
for Lake Tanganyika was adopted on 31 October 2003.

APPENDIX

Appendix A. Agenda

1. Opening of the session

2. Election of Chairperson and
Vice-Chairperson

3. Adoption of the Agenda and arrangements for the
session

4. Action on recommendation of the ninth session of the
Sub-Committee

5. The status of Lake Tanganyika fisheries by national
sectors

6. Application of the FAO Code of Conduct for
Responsible Fisheries in the management of Lake Tanganyika and for the control
and responsible use of alien species in the lake basin

7. Collaboration between FAO and other Lake Tanganyika
partners in fisheries programmes and projects

8. The future role of the FAO CIFA Sub-Committee in the
context of the Lake Tanganyika Convention

I feel greatly honoured to be accorded this opportunity to be
here with you on the occasion of the tenth session of the CIFA Sub-Committee for
Lake Tanganyika. It is indeed a great opportunity for me to familiarize with the
programmes and activities of the inland fisheries Sub-Committee for Lake
Tanganyika.

Mr Chairman,

I would like to welcome you all to Zambia and I sincerely hope
that you will have successful deliberations that will help you chart the way
forward for the fisheries industry.

I am aware that Lake Tanganyika is an exceptionally old
natural water body with a surface area estimated at 33 000 km2. It is
the longest lake in the world with a total volume of water of 19 million cubic
meters. You will agree with me that this is an enormous natural resource, which
Zambia is endowed with and should therefore be utilized fully.

I am glad to note that the lake contributes to the fisheries
industry an estimated 13 000 tonnes of fish annually and that this represents
about 20 percent of the overall fish production.

Mr Chairman,

Although the lake is of global value and of great
socio-economic importance at both national and global levels sustainable
management and utilization of the fish resource found on this lake is a source
of great concern to the four riparian states and collaborating partners as the
lakes integrity is threatened by human activity.

Mr Chairman,

I am aware that the Sub-Committee has been meeting since 1978
when the session of the Sub-Committee was held in Lusaka, in order to agree on
the fisheries management strategies. I am also aware that in the past two
sessions, members of the Sub-Committee expressed the wish for creating a
regional intergovernmental fisheries body where the riparian countries would
cooperate in the management and development of fisheries through implementation
of the Code of Conduct. This was indeed a resolution to work together as this
would enhance consensus among the Sub-Committees.

Mr Chairman,

As you are aware, the creation of the Lake Victoria
Organization by the riparian States has brought about notable benefits for the
member countries. I therefore urge the sub-committee of Lake Tanganyika also to
emulate the Lake Victoria Organization.

Mr Chairman,

Allow me to inform members of the Sub-Committee that the
riparian countries of Lake Tanganyika signed the final version of the Convention
on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika on June 12, 2003. This
convention was aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management of the lake
and make priority appropriate measures to prevent and reduce adverse impacts
resulting form fishing activities. This will help us conserve the many species
of fish in the lake. It is important, therefore, that the riparian countries
look after this huge resource properly for its sustainable
utilization.

Mr Chairman,

It is absolutely important also that the lake is equitably
utilized among the riparian states within their jurisdiction without necessarily
causing harm to other beneficiary states. I hope all these issues can be
discussed on this forum so that the inland fisheries Sub-Committee should have a
common understanding as regards to management of the lake fisheries in a
sustainable manner. Without this common approach, sustainable management of the
lake will be difficult to achieve.

Mr Chairman,

My Government is supportive of this form of stakeholder
participation of fisheries management. In fact, the Government is in the process
of approving a revised Fisheries Act that has drawn a lot of input from various
stakeholders among which are the Traditional Authority, Private Investors,
Community Based Organizations (COBs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and
other interested groups. References have also been drawn from the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) Code of Conduct for Fisheries in neighbouring
States.

Mr Chairman,

I wish to recognize the efforts by Food and Agriculture
Organization through the Sub-Committee. The Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) has also been instrumental in establishing a framework for co-operation
among the riparian States in providing a forum for information sharing and the
development of joint management approaches. Further, collaboration with other
interested partners such as FINNIDA has generated critical data that has
assisted with the decision making process and enhanced prospects of obtaining
funding for the sustainable development of the lake.

Mr Chairman,

Let me now thank the government of Finland, the African
Development Bank (AfDB), the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN)
and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) for coming to this meeting and
deliberate with us. This endorses your ardent consideration and importance with
which you attach to issues pertaining to Lake Tanganyika.

I also with to thank the Lusaka FAO office and the FAO
Sub-regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa based in Harare, Zimbabwe
for the continued support.

It is my sincere hope that the deliberations will be very
fruitful on the basis of a common objective for the lake and that the meeting
will successfully deliberate with a clear focus on the e expectations.

Mr Chairman

It is now my privilege and honour to declare the tenth session
of the Sub-Committee meeting for the Lake Tanganyika officially open.

Thank you and may God bless you.

Appendix E. Summary of major decisions
and recommendations

Item 4

Action on recommendations of the Ninth Session of the
Sub-committee

For the Attention of Governments

1. Strengthen the implementation of follow-up
actions between sessions

5. Establish a common legal framework for fisheries activities
for all riparian countries.

6. Establish an International management authority for Lake
Tanganyika.

Item 6

Application of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible
Fisheries in the Management of Lake Tanganyika and for the Control and
Responsible Use of Alien Species in the Lake Basin

Management of Lake Tanganyika

For the Attention of Governments

1. Promote and support participatory approaches
with fishing communities and other important stakeholders to facilitate rapid
establishment of co-management (collaborative management)

2. Improve and strengthen standardization, control and
surveillance with regards to inspection of commercial and artisanal fishing
boats

3. Harmonize fisheries policy on the Lake in a manner that
combines top down and bottom up approaches to ensure broad participation of
relevant stakeholders.

Control and Responsible Use of Alien Species in the Lake
Basin

For the Attention of Governments

1. Establish and ad hoc working group to address
the issue of alien species in the lake basin.

2. Development of a Memorandum of Understanding among the
riparian states of Lake Tanganyika.

3. The ad hoc working group to report on its activities
towards the development of a Memorandum of Understanding to the next meeting of
CIFA in September 20004.

4. Promote the development of aquaculture using indigenous
species from the basin in order to provide an alternative to the culture of
alien species

Item 7

Collaboration between FAO and other Lake Tanganyika
Partners in fisheries programmes and projects

For the Attention of Governments

1. Make efforts to ensure the rapid and positive
response to the request of the African Development Bank for renewing application
for assistance under the Banks Lake Tanganyika Fisheries and Biodiversity
Management Project.

2. Involve national fisheries management and research
personnel of the four Lake Tanganyika States in the GLOW IV Symposium planned
for 2004

For the Attention of FAO

1. Continue Full involvement of FAO and the
FishCode programme in the proposed joint regional programme for Lake Tanganyika,
now constituted as the Regional Progrmame for the Integrated Management of lake
Tanganyika

2. Support the programme elements proposed by the respective
lake Tanganyika Partners

3. Continue development of collaborative links between
FishCode and (a) SIAL-associated efforts to promote fisheries and biodiversity
conservation for all major ancient lakes, as well as (b) AEHMS/GLOW IV related
activities.

Item 8

The future role of the FAO CIFA Sub-Committee in the
context of the Lake Tanganyika Convention

For the Attention of Governments

1. Examine the possibility of incorporating a
structure similar to that of Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) within
the Lake Tanganyika Convention

2. Monitor the process of ratification and implementation of
the Convention by the four Member States through appropriate technical advise
and assistance.

3. Accord due regard to the high profile of the fisheries
sector.

4. Address fully the needs of fisheries in the deliberation of
the convention and institutional mechanisms created under specific Article 7 and
27 of the Convention.

5. Make in-depth analysis of the Convention to determine its
possible implications on the responsible use of the aquatic resources and the
people who depend on these resources for their food and livelihoods.

6. Maintain the role of the Sub-Committee under the FAO CIFA
Sub-Committee mechanisms as the primary technical fishery advisory body in the
Lake Tanganyika region during the transitional period leading to full
implementation of the Articles of the convention

BACK COVER

This document is the final report of the tenth session of the
Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA) Sub-Committee for Lake
Tanganyika, which was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 28 to 31 October 2003. The
major topics discussed were: status of Lake Tanganyika fisheries by national
sectors; application of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the
management of Lake Tanganyika and for the control and responsible use of alien
species in the lake basin; collaboration between FAO and other Lake Tanganyika
partners in the fisheries programmes and projects; and future role of the FAO
CIFA Sub-Committee in the context of the Lake Tanganyika Convention. The summary
of the main recommendations and decisions is shown in Appendix E.